News Stories

Meet your World Cup neighbors: Open Doors! reveals 20+ business, artist activations 

Nearly two dozen small businesses, artists, and organizations will move into vacant storefronts this summer as part of an initiative to keep Kansas City’s local business ecosystem at the epicenter of FIFA World Cup action — and beyond, said Nia Webster.

Supplier stops along Prospect: Bus tour connects corporate buyers to east side businesses

The Prospect Business Association is leaning into a more hands-on approach to economic development, said Simone Curls, describing a support concept that brings decision-makers directly into the spaces where small businesses operate — opening the door to future contracts, collaborations, and long-term economic sustainability for entrepreneurs.

KC wants World Cup dollars spread further; Here’s why Airbnb is investing in a metrowide economic base camp

A newly announced strategy aims to boost spending throughout neighborhoods and small businesses across the metro — spreading out FIFA World Cup gains like the roughly $105 million in economic activity in June and July tied to short-term rentals alone.

‘This is a different type of founder’: LaunchKC reveals latest social venture cohort

Kansas City’s startup community has helped Trina Nudson feel seen and understood as an emerging entrepreneur, the Be Aligned founder shared. A spot in this year’s Social Venture Studio cohort could help her dig even deeper into the business realities of the unknown, she said. “I’m an attorney, and if you turn to a fellow…

1 Million Cups pops the bubble, opening stage to rapid-fire pitches from global entrepreneurs

Kansas City’s 1 Million Cups gathering took on an international focus Wednesday, as 13 entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean joined the community through the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative. Hosted in partnership with Global Ties KC, the gathering featured a special “Rapid 1MC” format, with five international founders presenting before a combined…